(a write-up by Mr. Larry Kongaika from a recent conversation on Facebook)
That's the rebounding and counter balance. You know you move faster and strike harder with the counter balance. It’s just how physics and biomechanics work
One of the most fundamental principles of physics—Newton’s Third Law (for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction). Using the pulling or retracting hand (hikite) to balance or counter the striking hand not only stabilizes the body but also channels that recoil energy to generate faster and more powerful follow-ups.
In traditional karate it’s referred to as the “hikite” and is often misunderstood as merely pulling the hand to the waist or pulling your opponent’s hand while striking but the principle goes beyond the obvious. It’s the same dynamic energy that, when applied correctly, enhances striking fluidity, improves timing, and helps maintain balance during multiple attacks.
Elastic recoil, or what some systems refer to as “trampolining,” is an advanced biomechanical principle that takes advantage of the natural rebound effect in the body to accelerate subsequent movements. In essence, by not fully arresting the motion of a strike but instead allowing it to redirect or spring back, you bypass the typical lag time between movements.
In Filipino martial arts (FMA), particularly in systems like Kali and Eskrima, the concept of gunting often employs a similar principle. Gunting typically involves deflecting or checking an incoming strike while simultaneously delivering a counter, and that fluid redirection can mirror the recoil effect.
In Kenpo and Kajukenbo, you see this concept in rapid-fire techniques where the initial strike retracts slightly or rebounds into a secondary movement, creating a continuous, flowing attack. It’s not just about retracting for balance but also about loading the next strike. You’ll often see it in techniques where the returning hand pulls or chambers while the opposite hand strikes, creating a whip-like effect to increase power and speed. These principles uses natural body mechanics to reduce wasted motion and accelerate combinations.
